One of the great features of writing a blog is the conversations I get to have with folks from all over the world. I get emails, Facebook messages and Tweets every week that teach me something new, ask great questions and constantly reaffirm why I love kayaking and kayak fishing.

This week I learned something that I should have thought of but never did. When Jason Y. from Texas recommended it to me I was dumbfounded, so much so I wanted to share it this week!

For most folks in the outdoor community, a Buff is nothing new. The benefits of sun protection, some versions' bug protection and multiple use flexibility are a known quantity. Did you know what else it is good for?

Hearing.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Because of the way our ears are shaped, wind can reduce our ability to hear. Most conventional ear muffs reduce voices because of their thickness. A Buff however, is able to block out the wind but still allow sounds in.

Lots of folks who ride motorcycles use a Buff to cut wind noise. They have to deal with it everyday. On a kayak it can help in wind, even more so at night when your vision is limited, too hear boats or other things coming into your area. Want to hear what is on your six? Try a Buff. I know next time out I'll be trying mine. For the folks who don't like things on their face, this is another use for a Buff where you don't have to wear it over your nose and mouth. Wear it like a skull cap and cover your ears. It will mostly hide under a hat and leave the sunscreen guys the uncovered feel they prefer on their face.

It was chilly that morning. Temperatures had just topped 40 degrees and the North wind was whipping at 15-20 mph. I had gloves on, a cold weather hat, three layers, wool socks and my bibs. I was determined to shoot some test footage with the two cameras I had in tow and wanted to get some time on the water and in my haste had hurried. As I unloaded the boat I went down my mental checklist and had my whistle, my PFD, my paddle, the Mirage Drive, pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. The sun was coming out and I had high hopes it would warm up soon as I shoved off and began a great day on the water.

Fast forward four hours and I was beaching the Hobie Outback and envisioning the footage I had shot. I backed down the ramp to load up and felt an itch on my nose. I scratched it and my face lit on fire! A glance into the mirror reminded me of what I forgot. Sunscreen.

I have been a big advocate of SPF 80+ for several years and had been on a three year streak of no sunburns. The end of my nose is a thin venous covering because of the years of damage I did in my 20s. Skin cancer is less likely an if but more of a when for me. I am trying to do everything I can but this English nose hides under few caps and without sunscreen it burns.

I think my fatal flaw was not writing down a list. A mental checklist is only as good as the next distraction. Sunscreen didn't cross my mind because it was cold. That's stupid looking back on it. It's sunscreen, not heat screen. It is the light and reflection of light that chars me, not the presence of warmth. The sun reminded me of that.

5 days later I am still dealing with the unsightly reminder of my blunder. Please remember to either sunscreen up before every trip or wear an item like a face Buff to protect you. A big wide brimmed hat can also help but is often left behind on a very windy day.

The action you take today can yield better results down the road. Skin cancer is no joke. Safety is more than just a life jacket. Protect yourself out there.